Dark Horse Comics just expanded another superhero universe, more specifically Jordan Blum, Patton Oswalt’s universe, with new series From the World of Minor Threats: The Alternates. Written by Tim Seeley with art by Christopher Mitten and colors by Tess Fowler and Ian Herring, the series is lettered by Nate Piekos. Returning for covers is Scott Hepburn, who drew the original Minor Threats series.
“Tim Seeley has LONG been one of our fave writer/artists,” said Patton Oswalt. “So, it was a thrill when we heard that our first run of MINOR THREATS sparked his imagination to further expand the world of Twilight City. If MINOR THREATS was a love letter to the moment where the Silver Age 70s gave way to the grim ‘n’ gritty 80s, then Seeley’s THE ALTERNATES is our collective mash note or the entire universe of 90s alt-comics. The fantastic inks by Christopher Mitten and lush paintings by Tess Fowler make an already amazing comic even better!”
You can find the first issue in comic shops on September 13, 2023.
So what’s From the World of Minor Threats: The Alternates about?
Mary the Multi-Monster! The Tripper! Crab Louie! Kid Curious! Persona! Formerly the offbeat b-list superheroes, The Alternates, who seemingly sacrificed themselves to stop an invasion from another dimension. Instead, they were transported to a mirror reality where they lived complex lives in a more four-dimensional existence–expanding both their powers and consciousness. Five years later, they’ve returned to Twilight City, struggling to reacclimate to their old lives in a traditional two-dimensional superhero world–in withdrawal from the vivid ones they left behind. When elements from this alternate reality turn up as a dangerous new street drug, some of the heroes band together to destroy it, while others succumb to its temptation.
“If the first MINOR THREATS series was a love letter to the c-list working class supervillains, then THE ALTERNATES is one for the early Vertigo comics of the 90s like Doom Patrol, Swamp Thing and Animal Man,” said Jordan Blum. “Forgotten goofy heroes pulled into a suddenly ‘mature’ existence that both humanizes and alienates them. Tim is such a master and historian of comics, we were so thrilled with the new sandbox he built for us all to play in — once again offering a fresh and unique point of view we hadn’t yet seen explored in superhero comics. This story of existence, addiction, recovery and monster smashing was beautifully rendered thanks to the art of Christopher Mitten and paintings by Tess Fowler.”
Check out covers to the first issue below.
MILWAUKIE, Ore., (June 15, 2023)—Dark Horse Comics presents From the World of Minor Threats: The Alternates, a new superhero series spinning out of the hit Minor Threats! This time, the Minor Threats team explores b-list superheroes who struggle to reclaim their mediocre lives in a support group. Joining Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum on writing duties is Tim Seeley (Local Man, Hack/Slash), with illustrations by Christopher Mitten (Hellboy) and Tess Fowler (Kid Lobotomy), colors by Ian Herring, and lettering by Nate Piekos. Scott Hepburn will provide the main cover art (which will also feature a foil variant), with variant covers by Tim Seeley, Fabio Moon, Martin Simmonds, and more.
Mary the Multi-Monster! The Tripper! Crab Louie! Kid Curious! Persona! Formerly the offbeat b-list superheroes, The Alternates, who seemingly sacrificed themselves to stop an invasion from another dimension. Instead, they were transported to a mirror reality where they lived complex lives in a more four-dimensional existence–expanding both their powers and consciousness. Five years later, they’ve returned to Twilight City, struggling to reacclimate to their old lives in a traditional two-dimensional superhero world–in withdrawal from the vivid ones they left behind. When elements from this alternate reality turn up as a dangerous new street drug, some of the heroes band together to destroy it, while others succumb to its temptation.
“Tim Seeley has LONG been one of our fave writer/artists,” said Patton Oswalt. “So, it was a thrill when we heard that our first run of MINOR THREATS sparked his imagination to further expand the world of Twilight City. If MINOR THREATS was a love letter to the moment where the Silver Age 70s gave way to the grim ‘n’ gritty 80s, then Seeley’s THE ALTERNATES is our collective mash note or the entire universe of 90s alt-comics. The fantastic inks by Christopher Mitten and lush paintings by Tess Fowler make an already amazing comic even better!”
“If the first MINOR THREATS series was a love letter to the c-list working class supervillains, then THE ALTERNATES is one for the early Vertigo comics of the 90s like Doom Patrol, Swamp Thing and Animal Man,” said Jordan Blum. “Forgotten goofy heroes pulled into a suddenly ‘mature’ existence that both humanizes and alienates them. Tim is such a master and historian of comics, we were so thrilled with the new sandbox he built for us all to play in — once again offering a fresh and unique point of view we hadn’t yet seen explored in superhero comics. This story of existence, addiction, recovery and monster smashing was beautifully rendered thanks to the art of Christopher Mitten and paintings by Tess Fowler. ”
On joining the Minor Threats world, Tim Seeley said, “I love the first MINOR THREATS series so much that I couldn’t help but imagine another team of lovable losers in their world–this time, a squad of forgotten superheroes who got rebooted, and now crave their old lives so bad it borders on addiction. Jordan and Patton not only liked the idea, they added their creativity to make something that fits their universe perfectly!”
The Alternates #1 (of 4) arrives in comic shops September 13, 2023. It is now available to pre-order for $4.99 at your local comic shop.
Praise for Minor Threats:
“In a world saturated with superhero comics, Minor Threats #1 is a creative and well-rounded introduction to another world of capes and tights. Like label-partner Black Hammer before it, Minor Threats honors the superhero stories that have come before it, simultaneously staying true those stories while reinventing the genre in its own image.” –Comicbook.com
“Minor Threats #1 was one of the best times I have had reading a new comic. Oswalt, Blum, and company have created a near-perfect comic book that is referential without over-saturation.”—Multiversity Comics
“Funny, clever, and occasionally heartbreaking — Minor Threats is told so well that there’s no problem at all rooting for the bad guys.”—AiPT
“Minor Threats #1 boasts a truly excellent script that feels like a perfect love letter to the fun and silliness of classic costumed caper comics as well as the classic underdog trope. Yet it also manages to marry in great three-dimensional and believable character writing that brings its central character to life beautifully as you follow her journey. All of this is brought to life by an art style that flawlessly captures the colorful nature of the genre after rolling it around in the grime to show the viewpoint of the C-list villain. An outstanding first issue from the classic corner box art on the cover to the last page spread that speaks to the fun everyone involved had making it.—Comic Watch
“Minor Threats #1 launches a delightfully dark new superhero universe, merging Silver Age aesthetics with a modern-day plot…So definitely add this book to your reading pile; you’ll laugh, maybe cry, and have a great time.”—But Why Tho?
“This is no “minor” first issue – it has the makings of a blockbuster.”—Comicon
“Minor Threats is clearly made by people who love superhero comics and want to explore the world that exists between the panels of bigger superhero stories. The artwork is creative and compelling while the tone strikes a great balance — it’s silly and fun but also heartfelt and tragic. Minor Threats #1 is a must-read comic for fans of the superhero genre, especially if they’ve enjoyed stories like Superior Foes of Spider-Man. Put this one on your radar, people.”—CBR
“This is definitely a title that lives up to the early buzz. In a desert of cynical, shallow Watchmen wannabes, Min
or Threats is an oasis: a deconstruction of the superhero genre made from a place of love instead of being disgusted by or apologetic about its own existence. It melds the dark and melodramatic with the goofy and bizarre with beautiful precision, and I’m excited to see what’s next.”—Gate Crashers
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